HSK 3

English Meaning

Categories

📚 Example Sentences

现在三点一刻。
Xiànzài sān diǎn yī kè.
It is a quarter past three now.
他刻了一个名字。
Tā kèle yīgè míngzì.
He carved a name.
我们八点三刻见。
Wǒmen bā diǎn sān kè jiàn.
We meet at a quarter to nine.
现在三点一刻。
Xiànzài sān diǎn yī kè.
It's a quarter past three now.
他刻了一个字。
Tā kèle yīgè zì.
He carved a character.

💡 Memory Tip

Imagine a clock face divided into four quarters; 刻 represents one quarter (15 minutes). Link it to 'carve' (another meaning of 刻), as if carving an hour into four equal parts.

📝 Usage Notes

Used in both spoken and written Chinese, in formal and informal contexts, primarily when telling time. It follows the hour and is often paired with numbers 1-3 (e.g., 一刻 for 15 minutes, 三刻 for 45 minutes). Less common for 45 minutes in modern usage, where '差一刻' (lacking a quarter) is preferred.

📖 Grammar Points

Used in time expressions: [Hour] + [Number] + 刻. Example: 三点一刻 (3:15). For 45 minutes, often 差一刻 + [next hour], like 差一刻四点 (3:45).

🏯 Cultural Notes

Rooted in historical timekeeping where hours were divided into quarters using sundials or water clocks. In modern contexts, it reflects the analog clock face, reinforcing its association with 15-minute precision.

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to 分 (fēn, minute), 刻 is only for 15-minute blocks, not general minutes. Unlike 小时 (xiǎoshí, hour), it is a fraction of an hour, not a full unit.

Master this word with quizzes, flashcards & more

Learn in CILI →

Related Words